CarPlay & PackTalk Bold
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 47
From: N. Texas
So, interestingly enough, my posts drew the attention of Cardo Tech Support. Someone reached out to me today and thanked me for helping them figure out a work around and mentioned that they have been pointing customers to my post here at the forums. As if that wasn't cool enough...
The technician told me that he would like to share some new information about getting this all to work. I will share it with you now but need someone's help - I'll come back to this. He said my work inspired them to do a little research on their end as well. With the updates to the functionality of CarPlay and the Cardo firmware which dropped in November of 2019, there is finally a way to get all of this working with the WHIM without any loss of functionality or the implementation of any odd work arounds. Please allow me to say that again.
Ok, already, it's coming! I will not bore you with the technical details of why it now works but I have been assured it does. Here are the easy steps.
That's it! Can it get much simpler guys and girls? It used to be an absolute no-no to pair your PackTalk Bold to both the WHIM and your iPhone at the same time. It was explained to me that because of the recent changes now made to CarPlay it is necessary to pair your PackTalk Bold to both devices.
"Come on, can it really be that easy?", you ask. Well, yes...but... There is one small caveat. I promise, it is small. Remember a recent post I made to this thread reminding everyone that they should make sure to power off the PackTalk Bold any time they powered off the bike, like when stopping for gas? This was because the PackTalk had to be the last device to connect to the iPhone. That is kind of reversed now.
Not too bad right? The only bad news is, if you already followed my advice and had the dealership disable the CarPlay microphone option, you must go back to them, hat in hand, and ask them kindly to turn that option back on. I would not suggest having them enable the microphone option just yet. I would suggest waiting until others on this wonderful forum can provide some feedback and let us know if it indeed works as it should. However, if you have not already had the dealership disable the CarPlay microphone option, you can give this a shot and let us all know how it goes. I am anxious to see all of the feedback.
I would still like to work with someone specifically so I can document each step in great detail. This will allow me document any issues if they occur, when they occur, and what was done to attempt to resolve it. Again, if you are interested in helping me out, please shoot me a PM.
I truly hope this puts an end to all of the craziness caused really by Harley. I could go on and on as to why it is their fault but I digress. Why are you still here, get to testing!
The technician told me that he would like to share some new information about getting this all to work. I will share it with you now but need someone's help - I'll come back to this. He said my work inspired them to do a little research on their end as well. With the updates to the functionality of CarPlay and the Cardo firmware which dropped in November of 2019, there is finally a way to get all of this working with the WHIM without any loss of functionality or the implementation of any odd work arounds. Please allow me to say that again.
THERE IS FINALLY A WAY TO GET ALL OF THIS WORKING WITH THE WHIM WITHOUT ANY LOSS OF FUNCTIONALITY
I know! I know, this cannot be possible! Oh you naysayers! After about 5 perfectly good tools hurling the air, a lot of cursing, and another inch added to my already receding hair line, there is a solution. I must warn you that this solution has not been tested by me but I am sure anxious to do so. Therein lies my problem. I need someone who has not had the CarPlay microphone option disabled to help me test this. If you have a PackTalk Bold, a WHIM installed on your 2019 or newer touring bike with a GTS radio, a little patience, and some extra time, shoot me a PM and lets get started!Ok, already, it's coming! I will not bore you with the technical details of why it now works but I have been assured it does. Here are the easy steps.
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone
- Turn on your motorcycle
- Plug in your iPhone
That's it! Can it get much simpler guys and girls? It used to be an absolute no-no to pair your PackTalk Bold to both the WHIM and your iPhone at the same time. It was explained to me that because of the recent changes now made to CarPlay it is necessary to pair your PackTalk Bold to both devices.
"Come on, can it really be that easy?", you ask. Well, yes...but... There is one small caveat. I promise, it is small. Remember a recent post I made to this thread reminding everyone that they should make sure to power off the PackTalk Bold any time they powered off the bike, like when stopping for gas? This was because the PackTalk had to be the last device to connect to the iPhone. That is kind of reversed now.
- Any time you turn off your bike, you MUST unplug your iPhone from the lightning connector.
- Only AFTER STARTING THE BIKE, should you plug it back in.
Not too bad right? The only bad news is, if you already followed my advice and had the dealership disable the CarPlay microphone option, you must go back to them, hat in hand, and ask them kindly to turn that option back on. I would not suggest having them enable the microphone option just yet. I would suggest waiting until others on this wonderful forum can provide some feedback and let us know if it indeed works as it should. However, if you have not already had the dealership disable the CarPlay microphone option, you can give this a shot and let us all know how it goes. I am anxious to see all of the feedback.
I would still like to work with someone specifically so I can document each step in great detail. This will allow me document any issues if they occur, when they occur, and what was done to attempt to resolve it. Again, if you are interested in helping me out, please shoot me a PM.
I truly hope this puts an end to all of the craziness caused really by Harley. I could go on and on as to why it is their fault but I digress. Why are you still here, get to testing!
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- So is this done on phone pairing 1??
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone
- So is this done on Phone 2, GPS pair or what?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone (pair the PackTalk Bold to your phone as you normally would while your motorcycle is off)
- Turn on your motorcycle
- Plug in your iPhone
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Great questions. Pair the devices separately. For example, pair the PackTalk to your iPhone while putting your PackTalk in standard pairing mode and while the motorcycle is off; I guess you would consider this 'Phone 1'. Then, simply turn on the bike, put the PackTalk in standard pairing mode again, and pair it to your WHIM. Your PackTalk will automatically use what you are calling 'Phone 2'. Please see the updated instructions below. Please let me know if you still have questions.
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone (pair the PackTalk Bold to your phone as you normally would while your motorcycle is off)
- Turn on your motorcycle
- Plug in your iPhone
WOW! What a concept. An accessory product manufacturer who actually tests the product on a Motorcycle that USES their product! Who'd a thunk, right? LOL!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
Good work RiderX. I started following your reports when you first started this series back in March. I don’t have a Bluetooth system or Whim (yet) for my 19 Ultra Classic with GTS and Carplay as I’m using a hard wire full face helmet system. Previous Sena and Cardo Bluetooth systems I used were difficult to hear and the intercom seemed clumsy to use.
Would you folks that use the Cardo Pack Talk Bold Bluetooth headset please comment on speaker clarity at highway speed? I like listening to XM-Pandora and would like to hear turn by turn directions when I need them. I had read some positive reviews on the Cardo Pack Talk and this series of reports has renewed another attempt to cut the helmet cord.
Would you folks that use the Cardo Pack Talk Bold Bluetooth headset please comment on speaker clarity at highway speed? I like listening to XM-Pandora and would like to hear turn by turn directions when I need them. I had read some positive reviews on the Cardo Pack Talk and this series of reports has renewed another attempt to cut the helmet cord.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 47
From: N. Texas
Rider X I am confused because you say to pair to whim as you would normally which is phone 1 pairing then you say pair to phone as you normally would. If a whim was not involved a normal phone pair is phone 1. You can't do two phone 1 pairings. Thank you for clarification.
Originally Posted by prostar View Post
Great questions. Pair the devices separately. For example, pair the PackTalk to your iPhone while putting your PackTalk in standard pairing mode and while the motorcycle is off; I guess you would consider this 'Phone 1'. Then, simply turn on the bike, put the PackTalk in standard pairing mode again, and pair it to your WHIM. Your PackTalk will automatically use what you are calling 'Phone 2'. Please see the updated instructions below. Please let me know if you still have questions.
Originally Posted by prostar View Post
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- So is this done on phone pairing 1??
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone
- So is this done on Phone 2, GPS pair or what?
Great questions. Pair the devices separately. For example, pair the PackTalk to your iPhone while putting your PackTalk in standard pairing mode and while the motorcycle is off; I guess you would consider this 'Phone 1'. Then, simply turn on the bike, put the PackTalk in standard pairing mode again, and pair it to your WHIM. Your PackTalk will automatically use what you are calling 'Phone 2'. Please see the updated instructions below. Please let me know if you still have questions.
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone (pair the PackTalk Bold to your phone as you normally would while your motorcycle is off)
- Turn on your motorcycle
- Plug in your iPhone
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I'm sorry, but I'm just not getting it, RiderX.
What is standard pairing mode? I haven't found where PackTalk manual mentions it.
In your reply to prostar, it seems to state to pair to the phone FIRST and the WHIM second. But in your original bulleted instructions, it says to pair to the WHIM first and the Phone 2nd.
PackTalk User's Manual. Go to Page 6 and 7 for pairing A2DP devices to Phone1 and Phone2.
When I pair my iPhone to the PackTalk using Phone 1 and then pair another A2DP device (an MP3 player or the WHIM) the same way, the new device pairs as Phone 1 and my phone is no longer paired. It doesn't automatically pair it to Phone2.
NOTE: When I plug my iPhone into the BoomBox via cable, CarPlay comes up on the BoomBox, denoting that my unit has the Mic = OFF, right?
What is standard pairing mode? I haven't found where PackTalk manual mentions it.
In your reply to prostar, it seems to state to pair to the phone FIRST and the WHIM second. But in your original bulleted instructions, it says to pair to the WHIM first and the Phone 2nd.
PackTalk User's Manual. Go to Page 6 and 7 for pairing A2DP devices to Phone1 and Phone2.
When I pair my iPhone to the PackTalk using Phone 1 and then pair another A2DP device (an MP3 player or the WHIM) the same way, the new device pairs as Phone 1 and my phone is no longer paired. It doesn't automatically pair it to Phone2.
NOTE: When I plug my iPhone into the BoomBox via cable, CarPlay comes up on the BoomBox, denoting that my unit has the Mic = OFF, right?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 953
Likes: 127
From: Rome, NY
Wow, it's 2 years later, and people are still trying to get decent communications happening between the GTS and non-Harley headsets! I went over this stuff two years ago with my '17 SGS (6.5GT Boombox), and talked to Cardo plenty of times. I bought a set of Sena 30K's, a set of Cardo Packtalk Bold's, a WHIM, a Freewire, an H-D CB module, and an Escort 9500ix radar detector. I worked every angle I could to try to get Boombox control, CB control, and MESH working at the same time, and I wrote it up on our HOG website. While the Packtalk and 30K WILL work with the WHIM for voice controls, the connection kills MESH on either unit due to priority, so if you want to do MESH with other riders, connecting to the WHIM is a no-no. If you just want all that for yourself, either unit will work. Both Cardo & Sena have updated their units, but neither has addressed that problem. H-D's headsets play games with the priorities to get around this somehow (No, I don't know how) Also, H-D uses the aptX codec in their branded equipment while Sena & Cardo use the SBC codec. Technically, the aptX codec will fall back to SBC stereo when it sees an SBC codec on the other end, but H-D has purposely limited this function to monaural to sell more H-D branded equipment. So after spending over $1K on all that equipment, what did I settle on?... I replaced the WHIM with the Freewire, and Sena 30K headsets. Yes, I like the Cardo units better, but the Sena's just plain work correctly with my whole system. I now have full control of the Boombox, plus the CB module works correctly, plus the 30K's firmware has been updated to their "MESH 2.0", which works with everything connected, and on top of that I have my radar detector output plugged into the Freewire's spare audio input that will alert me through the headset when the Fuzz are around. And I can connect my iPhone to the Boombox or the 30K. All that, and no worry about what order things get powered on. I don't have a GTS to fool with, so who knows how this would work with that Boombox.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I want to be sure I'm understanding this, FurryOne.
With a Sena headset (we're thinking about the new 50-series) and Sena Freewire, you can listen to our motorcycle's radio, CB works, and (importantly) you still have bike to bike intercom while connected to the Freewire?"
I just watched a Freewire ad and it didn't seem to mention the ability to use the Sena's headset for intercom to other motorcycles that the riders have the same headset, even while paired as a phone to the Freewire.
The phone connection, as I understand and have experienced with my PackTalk, is a higher priority than intercom and shuts intercom off. That's been the big bugaboo.
Can you please confirm? And thank you for your input. I prefer PackTalk as well. The PackTalk is vastly superior.
Ken
With a Sena headset (we're thinking about the new 50-series) and Sena Freewire, you can listen to our motorcycle's radio, CB works, and (importantly) you still have bike to bike intercom while connected to the Freewire?"
I just watched a Freewire ad and it didn't seem to mention the ability to use the Sena's headset for intercom to other motorcycles that the riders have the same headset, even while paired as a phone to the Freewire.
The phone connection, as I understand and have experienced with my PackTalk, is a higher priority than intercom and shuts intercom off. That's been the big bugaboo.
Can you please confirm? And thank you for your input. I prefer PackTalk as well. The PackTalk is vastly superior.
Ken
Wow, it's 2 years later, and people are still trying to get decent communications happening between the GTS and non-Harley headsets! I went over this stuff two years ago with my '17 SGS (6.5GT Boombox), and talked to Cardo plenty of times. I bought a set of Sena 30K's, a set of Cardo Packtalk Bold's, a WHIM, a Freewire, an H-D CB module, and an Escort 9500ix radar detector. I worked every angle I could to try to get Boombox control, CB control, and MESH working at the same time, and I wrote it up on our HOG website. While the Packtalk and 30K WILL work with the WHIM for voice controls, the connection kills MESH on either unit due to priority, so if you want to do MESH with other riders, connecting to the WHIM is a no-no. If you just want all that for yourself, either unit will work. Both Cardo & Sena have updated their units, but neither has addressed that problem. H-D's headsets play games with the priorities to get around this somehow (No, I don't know how) Also, H-D uses the aptX codec in their branded equipment while Sena & Cardo use the SBC codec. Technically, the aptX codec will fall back to SBC stereo when it sees an SBC codec on the other end, but H-D has purposely limited this function to monaural to sell more H-D branded equipment. So after spending over $1K on all that equipment, what did I settle on?... I replaced the WHIM with the Freewire, and Sena 30K headsets. Yes, I like the Cardo units better, but the Sena's just plain work correctly with my whole system. I now have full control of the Boombox, plus the CB module works correctly, plus the 30K's firmware has been updated to their "MESH 2.0", which works with everything connected, and on top of that I have my radar detector output plugged into the Freewire's spare audio input that will alert me through the headset when the Fuzz are around. And I can connect my iPhone to the Boombox or the 30K. All that, and no worry about what order things get powered on. I don't have a GTS to fool with, so who knows how this would work with that Boombox.
Last edited by DWKen; May 10, 2020 at 11:13 PM.
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Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
Rider X I am confused because you say to pair to whim as you would normally which is phone 1 pairing then you say pair to phone as you normally would. If a whim was not involved a normal phone pair is phone 1. You can't do two phone 1 pairings. Thank you for clarification.
Originally Posted by prostar View Post
Great questions. Pair the devices separately. For example, pair the PackTalk to your iPhone while putting your PackTalk in standard pairing mode and while the motorcycle is off; I guess you would consider this 'Phone 1'. Then, simply turn on the bike, put the PackTalk in standard pairing mode again, and pair it to your WHIM. Your PackTalk will automatically use what you are calling 'Phone 2'. Please see the updated instructions below. Please let me know if you still have questions.
Originally Posted by prostar View Post
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- So is this done on phone pairing 1??
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone
- So is this done on Phone 2, GPS pair or what?
Great questions. Pair the devices separately. For example, pair the PackTalk to your iPhone while putting your PackTalk in standard pairing mode and while the motorcycle is off; I guess you would consider this 'Phone 1'. Then, simply turn on the bike, put the PackTalk in standard pairing mode again, and pair it to your WHIM. Your PackTalk will automatically use what you are calling 'Phone 2'. Please see the updated instructions below. Please let me know if you still have questions.
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to the WHIM (if you need detailed instructions on how to do this, let me know.)
- Pair your PackTalk Bold to your iPhone (pair the PackTalk Bold to your phone as you normally would while your motorcycle is off)
- Turn on your motorcycle
- Plug in your iPhone
Ok. I apologize for the earlier confusion. I was attempting to use your terminology instead of the terminology found in the PackTalk Bold manual. That's what I get for being lazy. Here is my understanding of how the pairing should work.
I have found the following information from the PacTalk Bold full user manual on page 6 in section 2.5. These steps will walk you through pairing your a device to 'Channel 1'. In this case, I suggest paring your iPhone to 'Channel 1'.
Your PACKTALK BOLD hastwo Bluetooth channels for connection to Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, GPS devices, and Bluetooth music players with A2DP.
To connect your unit to a Bluetooth device, you must first pair them. Once paired, they automatically recognize each other whenever they are within range.
***If you are pairing more than one device, Cardo recommends that you pair the mobile phone to channel 1, and the additional device (such as GPS, music player or additional mobile phone) to channel 2.
***If you are pairing the unit to more than one mobile phone, the phone paired with channel 1 is the default phone for outgoing calls.
To pair Bluetooth channel 1 to a mobile phone:
- Enable Bluetooth on the mobile phone.
- On the unit in standby mode, press the
- On your mobile phone, search for Bluetooth devices.
- When your PACKTALK BOLD appears in the list of available devices, select it. If prompted for a PIN or Passkey, enter 0000 (four zeros).
Now follow the next set of instructions to pair your WHIM to 'Channel 2' of the PackTalk. Pay particular attention to step 3 to switch your PackTalk Bold to 'Channel 2' for pairing. These instructions are found on page 7 in section 2.5. of the PackTalk Bold full user manual.
To pair Bluetooth channel 2 to another Bluetooth device:
- Enable Bluetooth on the device (for example, your mobile phone, GPS device, or music player).
- On the unit in standby mode, press
- Tap
- If you are pairing a GPS device, roll the control wheel inward. (****** When pairing to the WHIM, disregard this step. ******)
- On the device you are pairing, search for Bluetooth devices.
- When your PACKTALK BOLD appears in the list of available devices, select it. If prompted for a PIN or Passkey, enter 0000 (four zeros).
The device confirms that pairing has succeeded and the LED flashes purple for 2 seconds.
That's it. Pair and please, please test for me. According to Cardo, everything should work perfectly, including DMC mode (mesh mode). One thing I am curious to know, because this was a challenge for me before finding the work around that I mentioned when starting this thread, is whether or not Cardo will grab and hold an incoming phone call. I had problems, before the work around, with the WHIM taking away control from the Cardo when I would receive an incoming call. I am told that this is now resolved.
Post your results as soon as possible.
Last edited by RiderX; May 11, 2020 at 01:35 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
Wow, it's 2 years later, and people are still trying to get decent communications happening between the GTS and non-Harley headsets! While the Packtalk and 30K WILL work with the WHIM for voice controls, the connection kills MESH on either unit due to priority, so if you want to do MESH with other riders, connecting to the WHIM is a no-no.
Also, H-D uses the aptX codec in their branded equipment while Sena & Cardo use the SBC codec. Technically, the aptX codec will fall back to SBC stereo when it sees an SBC codec on the other end, but H-D has purposely limited this function to monaural to sell more H-D branded equipment.
Sena has a new 50S device that has recently been released and I have a call into Sena now to inquire as to whether or not this device is 'limited' in the same way as previous devices. There is not an H-D branded version of the 50S yet and it is not likely to come out until February of 2021 due to the delay of all bikes, accessories, motor clothes, etc... There are rumors that the 50S may be communicate with Cardo devices in mesh mode. If this is the case, that would be amazing. I will keep you guys posted when I hear back.